“The Lord of hosts has sworn. As I have planned so shall it be, as I have purposed so shall it stand. For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:24, 27).

Who amongst us is not naturally wired to resist the sovereignty of God? It’s in our DNA to want to believe that we are in control over every facet of our lives. Am I right? Why do you think that’s the case?

Well, as I’ve considered that, I’ve come to see something unpleasant about us.  First, it’s hard for us to trust anyone, especially when unpleasant things come our way. We like to think we’re in control, thereby able to solve our problems on our own, using our abilities. And second, at the core, at the very center of our lives, is us. We have a natural bent to worship ourselves, part of which is the assumed idea that we are in control.  Hence, anyone or anything that threatens that becomes an enemy. Yes, for some the thought of God’s sovereign control over everything becomes an enemy to be fought against. How foolish!

This is where the words of Isaiah speak to us. Isaiah’s words shatter any idea that we are in control over the events of our lives. Here is what Isaiah wants us to be very clear about. The purposes, providence and plans of God will stand; not to be turned back by our false assumption that we are the ruling force in our lives. For some that represents a source of deep discouragement. For others it brings deep peace and confidence.

The more I meditate on this, the more I’ve come to see that the sovereignty of God is not a source of discouragement, but rather a fountain of great blessing, peace, and security. It boils down to this. He is in control; he always seeks my best. When unpleasant things come upon us, either suddenly or gradually, there is great peace in repeating that phrase; He is in control; He always seeks my best.

Make this very personal. What situations are you facing right now that stretch your ability to trust God? I speak with people every week who are fighting for faith in the midst of unpleasant and unexpected things. It does not matter what form it takes; we all know what it means to feel powerless in the face of life circumstances. It can cripple us in a moment or discourage us over time.  Does that describe you? If so, I have a word from Isaiah; “As I have planned so shall it be…His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” At such times, the simple reality is that He is in control; He always seeks my best. Can you say that with deepening faith and trust?